Moisture-proof mat



-S. C. BETTIKER.

MOISTURE PROOF MAT.

APPLICATION man FEB. 11. 1-919.

Patented Oct; 26, 1920. 1

UNITED STATES SAMUEL CLAUDE BETTIKER, 0F WARREN, OHIO.

MOISTURE-PROOF MAT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 26, 1920.

Application filed February 17, 1919. Serial No. 277,558.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL CLAUDE BET- TIKER, a citizen of the UnitedStates of America, residin at Warren, in the county ofTrumbull and tateof Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Im rovements inMoisture-Proof Mats, of which the followin is a specification. I

y invention relates to improvements 1n a moisture-proof mat or protectoradapted primarily for use in working upon automobiles. The object of myinvention is to produce a simple, cheap and compact article of thischaracter, which is relatively waterproof, light and durable.

The usual practice in the garage at the present time, is to provide alow wheeled platform or support, which is adapted to be moved frombeneath one automobile to another, whereon the workman may rest or lieas he works beneath the machine. This device, however, is somewhatcumbersome, large and heavy, and rather imperfectly answers the generalrequirements in this respect.

My invention has proceeded with the idea of fully meeting the needs, notonly of the garage, but of the automobilist while en route. The articleof my invention comprises one or more sections of fibrous, cellularmaterial, such as ordinary corrugated board; such sections preferablbeing suitably waterproofed, peripheral y protected, and foldablyunited, as will be explained more in detail in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is an isometric View of a matembodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view thereof, showing it in folded relation.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged and exag erated view of the corrugated structurepreferably em loyed.

nd Fig. 4; is a similar view illustrating a modification wherein aplurality of thicknesses of corrugated material are used.

Throughout the several figures of the drawing I have emplo ed the samecharacters of reference to in icate similar parts or elements.

The mat of my invention preferably is constructed of two or moresections foldably united, but obviously the number of such As alsoindicated, my improved mat preferably is constructed of corrugatedboard, but this material is not essential to the invention hereindisclosed, nor is the mode of waterproofing the same. This latterpreferably 1s accomplished, however, by applymg one or more coats of asuitable varnish, such as asphaltum varnish or the like. Suitable paintmay also be used.

Referring to the drawing, the particular mat illustrated is seen tocomprise three sec tions, at, b, c of suitable fibrous material orcorrugated board; the latter adopted because of its lightness, strengthand nonconducting properties. This is shown in the drawing as a heavycomposite board having a corrugated paper filler between two plane outerfaces, known to the trade as doublefaced corrugated board. Both surfacespreferably are made moisture-proof or waterproof. Each section isprovided with an attached border, a b, c, of suitable fabric, whichserves to finish the article and protect it. Each section is attached tothe adjacent section by a double canvas hin e; the fabric border andhinges being reafily secured by marine glue. The hinges are indicated inthe drawin by the reference character d, but the sections may besuitably secured toglether by any adaptable hin emember. he completedarticle may esirably be treated to one or more coats of a suitablevarnish, or instead of using varnish, a suitable waterproofing paint maybe applied, either by the brush or by dipping the article or theindividual sections, or by spraying them. As thus constructed, my

lmproved device is extremely practical, in'

that it is provided with an exterior coating as a whole, which isresistant both to dirt and moisture, while the waterproofed planesurfaces are separated by the cellular structure, also protected alongthe edges against moisture, and the hinge members even, afford likeprotection against dampness. These features are of marked advantage in adevice which must be used alike upon a cold, oily garage floor, usuallyconstructed of cement, or upon a wet road or pavement.

My improved mat or pad is light, compact and durable. It may be movedfrom place to place in the garage, and is very readily slipped intoposition beneath the automobile. When folded, moreover, it takes butlittle space and may be put beneath the seat or cushion of the car,Where it will be available for instant use.

The modified structure of Fig. 4 affords a more resilient body for themat and it is stiffer than the mat constructed of a single thickness ofcorrugated board. A plurality of thicknesses of fibrous or corrugatedmaterial, suitably cemented together and waterproofed, as alreadydescribed, may accordingly be used for embodying my invention, whendesired.

Having now described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent the followin A sectlonalfolding mat, comprising adj acent sections of double-faced corrugatedboard positioned edgewise to each other and coated with a moisture-proofmaterial throughout their top and bottom faces, fabric hinge membersjoining the alined edges and cemented to said sections, and a peripheralfabric bindin cemented about the outer edges of the unitet sections saidfabric members being water-proofed to complete a mat exteriorlyimpervious to dampness.

In testimony whereof I do now atfix my signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

SAMUEL CLAUDE BETTIKER.

" Witnesses:

J. C. HOFFMAN, E. F. BENNETT.

